Capital Post and Ijaw Voice Reports Should Stop Sowing Seeds of Confusion, Division and Distrust Among Our Members — ASCSN

ASCSN Rejects Capital Post, Ijaw Voice Reports, Says Petition Is Not Conviction

Association faults reports on its leadership and financial affairs, urges media to verify claims and respect due process.

By Our Correspondent

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has rejected what it described as misleading and unsubstantiated publications by Capital Post, Ijaw Voice Newspaper and other online platforms concerning the leadership and financial affairs of the association.

In a statement signed by the Strategic Media Group, Office of the National President of ASCSN, the association alleged that certain individuals, including persons it said were parading themselves as members or staff of the association, were circulating information capable of creating confusion, division and distrust among its members.

ASCSN specifically raised concerns over materials allegedly being circulated under the name of a purported “Media and Publicity Committee”, particularly on matters which, according to the association, have already been subjected to judicial proceedings.

The association urged members of the public and the media to exercise caution and verify such claims through its established Open Information System (OIS), where it said clarification and relevant documentary evidence could be obtained.

ASCSN Cites April 15, 2026 Court Judgment

The association also referred to the leadership dispute within ASCSN and the judgment delivered on April 15, 2026, by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, presided over by Honourable Justice R. Haastrup.

According to ASCSN, the existence of a judicial pronouncement requires all parties to respect the authority of the court and avoid selective presentation or misrepresentation of judicial proceedings.

The association maintained that where any party disagrees with a court decision, the proper avenue is the established appellate process, stressing that the media cannot substitute for the courts.

“A Petition Is Not a Conviction”

A major focus of the statement was the association's response to reports concerning petitions allegedly submitted to anti-corruption agencies.

ASCSN stressed that a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or any other investigative authority does not, by itself, establish criminal liability.

The association therefore cautioned against describing individuals as having “looted” or “stolen” funds, or using other expressions that imply guilt, unless such guilt has been established by a competent court.

It said there must be a clear distinction between an allegation and an established fact, a petition and an investigation, an investigation and prosecution, and prosecution and conviction.

According to the association, deliberately conflating these separate stages could result in sensational and misleading reporting.

Disputed ASCSN Account

On concerns surrounding a disputed ASCSN account and other financial matters, the association acknowledged that questions had been raised but insisted that such issues should be addressed through documentation, investigation, due process and appropriate institutional or judicial channels.

ASCSN said it remained prepared to provide clarification and relevant documentary evidence through its Open Information System to enable members and stakeholders distinguish facts from speculation.

Call for Responsible Journalism

The association also appealed to Capital Post, Ijaw News and other media organisations reporting on ASCSN affairs to adhere to professional standards of journalism.

It urged journalists to verify information before publication and give all parties an opportunity to respond to allegations.

According to ASCSN, sensational headlines, unverified claims and prejudicial language could further deepen divisions within the association and undermine the interests of its members and the wider labour movement.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, internal democracy, due process, respect for the rule of law, protection of members' legitimate interests and welfare, responsible communication, and peace and unity within the organisation.

It further advised members to rely on recognised and authorised channels for information rather than social media posts and unofficial sources.

“The truth does not require propaganda. It requires evidence,” the association stated.